Grand Valley State University has a great deal to offer the

CHORAL MUSICIAN 

Many students at Grand Valley State University have had enjoyable choral experiences in high school and wish to continue their interest in vocal music at the University level.  The GVSU Choral Program, which involves more than 250 singers in five performing groups, provides opportunities of many kinds.  Experienced singers may develop their musical talents by participating in one or more select vocal ensembles - University Singers, University Arts Chorale, the Select Women's Ensemble, Varsity Men or Cantate Chamber Ensemble.

GRAND VALLEY SINGERS    Music 101 -- 1 credit
This select SATB 50 voice ensemble performs choral music of the great traditions from all periods of music.  University Singers repertoire includes a cappella spirituals and folk song arrangements, vocal music of the master composers with instrumental ensemble accompaniment, and music of other cultures.  Previous choral experience is recommended.  Two performances are given on campus each semester. 

SELECT WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE    Music 104 -- 1 credit
Although the ensemble has been in existence only four years, the Select Women's Ensemble has earned a reputation for quality performances of challenging SSA and SSAA choral literature.  The accompanied and a cappella repertoire is representative of a variety of musical periods and styles. In 2004 and 2005 the Select Women participated in the American Choral Directors Collegiate Women's Festival at Western Michigan University.  In January, 2008, this ensemble participated in a reading session at the state Michigan Music Conference.  The ensemble rehearses two days weekly for an hour and fifteen minutes.  Audition and previous singing experience required.

 UNIVERSITY ARTS CHORALE    Music 117 -- 1 credit
The University Arts Chorale is a prestigious ensemble of fifty auditioned voices and maintains an active performance schedule presenting choral repertoire from all periods of music.  In addition to concerts on campus, the Arts Chorale has collaborated with the Holland Chorale, the Muskegon Chamber Choir and the Grand Rapids Chamber Choir.  The Chorale was selected to perform in Ann Arbor at the American Choral Directors Choral Hour as part of the Michigan Music Education In-Service Conference.  The Arts Chorale has performed at the state convention of the American Choral Directors Association in 2004.   The Chorale performed Mendelssohn's "Elijah", the "Mass in C minor" by Mozart and William Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast" with the Symphony Chorus and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Lockington.  In January, 2008, the Arts Chorale performed in the opening concert of the Michigan Music Conference. 

VARSITY MEN    Music 118 -- 1 credit
Varsity Men is an all male group that sings a variety of choral music, ranging from classical genres to barbershop. In addition to performing in Music Department choral concerts each semester, Varsity Men performs in and around the Grand Rapids area.  Although previous choral experience is highly desirable, the group is open to any interested male student, by audition.  This ensemble rehearses twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes.

CANTATE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE  MUS 380 -- 1 credit
This highly select vocal ensemble of 10 auditioned singers ( 6 women and 4 men)  gave its premiere performance in October, 2007.  The goal of this choral group is to specialize in a cappella sacred and secular music of the early periods of music ( Renaissance and Baroque).  Though the majority of the singers in Cantate Chamber Ensemble  are music education majors, the group is open to qualified singers from any  discipline.

Questions about ensembles and choral ensemble auditions can be directed to Ellen Pool, Director of Choral Activities, at (616) 331-2572 or email: poole@gvsu.edu